Two Stockport schools are set to be demolished as part of major plans to rebuild them with better facilities.

Plans to upgrade both Moorfield Primary and Bramhall High School are up for approval at a Stockport Council planning committee meeting later this week. For both schools, this redevelopment is aimed at tackling issues caused by ageing buildings that are coming to the end or at the end of their lifespan and will be paid for by the Department for Education.

In 2023, Bramhall High School was forced to close after dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, or RAAC, was found. This type of concrete is prone to sudden unexpected collapse.

The school later reopened after safety measures were put in place and all classrooms in the school are now open. However, parts of the school are sectioned off and pupils and staff have been working in temporary classrooms.

While there has been some criticism a maths block will be left standing, the plans put forward to rebuild a large part of the school have been hailed as 'a once in a generation opportunity to create a state-of-the-art learning environment'. Construction is expected to start in 2028 if approved.

Headteacher Paul Williams previously said: "This rebuild is a transformative moment in our school's history", adding: "We are creating a state-of-the-art school that reflects the ambition, resilience and excellence that define Bramhall High School.

"After a challenging period due to RAAC, this project marks a bold new chapter — one that will benefit students for decades to come."

For Moorfield Primary School, the new school would be a complete redevelopment with a improved school building as well as further positive changes to the schools grounds. If councillors give it the go ahead, the school is expected to be finished by 2029.

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In 2022, councillor Wendy Meikle said: "The scheme is set to modernise the building and create a greener, state-of-the-art environment for our young people to receive the very best education.

"It's just another example of how Stockport is attracting the very top investment right now, and is another proud moment for everyone in our borough."

In Bramhall, the plans went out for public feedback which found 86% of the public were in support of the proposals compared to 4% who were against. Those in favour praised the new facilities for children with special education needs and the overall improvement particularly in light of the RAAC issues.

There were some objections raised including the impact of construction, parking problems, as well as increased outdoor social areas. However those living in neighbouring properties who responded to the council were largely against.

Those neighbours have complained to the council that 'car head lights are constantly shining directly into properties and it should be proposed that the new road be diverted further away from the properties' and concerns the plans could 'cause a lot more congestion'. There were also objections to a possible increase in the use of better school facilities arguing this would affect their quality of life.

Those living in nearby houses opposed to the scheme also claimed 'there has already been a marked increase in the number of nearby properties being placed on the market since the rebuild plans were announced'. They also said: "The proposed redevelopment would result in the destruction of habitat, causing unnecessary stress to these creatures and contributing to wider ecological disruption."

There has been some opposition too to the Moorfield plans from some neighbours who claim the restoration of a green field is 'physically impossible'. This site is intended to be used as a temporary car park while construction takes place.

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